Our Speakers
Meet our speakers for the New Zealand Shareholders' Association Investors Conference 2026
Keynote Speaker
Chris Watson
Chief Data Officer, Black Pearl Group and Claude Ambassador
Chris is a seasoned technology and data professional with more than 20 years’ experience across data engineering, infrastructure, payment technology, and email platforms. He is currently Chief Data Officer at Blackpearl Group, where he plays a central role in building scalable data solutions for a New Zealand-founded, NZX and ASX-listed technology company focused on the US market.
Chris has been part of the Blackpearl story since 2015, joining when the company was still operating from a small office above a coffee shop and remaining through its evolution into a listed data and AI business. His career has included work across New Zealand and Switzerland, giving him a practical, international perspective on how technology platforms scale, perform, and create commercial value.
How AI Can Support Your investing journey
Chris is an AI specialist. As the Chief Data Officer for Wellington-based Black Pearl Group, he is well used to the practical application of AI in his role – so much so that Anthropic have recently appointed Chris as a Claude ambassador in New Zealand.
Chris will offer practical insight on how you can use AI to support and supercharge your investment decisions. He will show how the use of AI is changing traditional investment barriers, acting as a true enabler for retail investors. Last, he will offer some insight into what we can expect from AI tools in future.
Dinner Keynote Speaker
Fraser Whineray
BE Chem (Canterbury), MBA (Cambridge), PGDip(DairySciTech, Massey
Fraser is a seasoned Australasian business professional across multiple sectors and roles.
Current governance positions include TenPeaks Data Centres (Chair), Port of Tauranga, and
Waste Management NZ. Previous executive positions have included the Chief Executive of
Mercury and Chief Operating Officer of Fonterra.
Fraser was awarded the Deloitte Chief Executive of the Year in 2019, was the Chair of the
Prime Minister’s Business Advisory Council, and has recently been a Visiting Fellow at
Cambridge University’s Judge Business School.
Beyond particular experience with organisational turnarounds, M&A, corporate venturing
and high-performance leadership, Fraser’s subject passions include energy, commercial
sustainability, and organisational coherence.
Could KiwiSaver be reimagined for the next generation?
Join us welcome Fraser Whineray, one of New Zealand’s most respected business leaders and former Chief Executive of Mercury.
In his session, “KiwiSaver 2.0”, Fraser will explore how New Zealand can move beyond incremental changes to create a more ambitious, equitable, and sustainable retirement savings system. He will discuss the power of long-term compounding, improving fairness across life stages, supporting younger generations, and helping New Zealanders achieve greater financial security in retirement.
Fraser currently serves as Chair of TenPeaks Data Centres and is a board member of Port of Tauranga and Waste Management NZ. A former Chair of the Prime Minister’s Business Advisory Council and Deloitte Chief Executive of the Year (2019), he brings extensive experience in business transformation, sustainability, and long-term value creation.
This promises to be a thought-provoking discussion on the future of KiwiSaver and its role in New Zealand’s economic future.
Panel Discussion
The Retirement Village Sector: What Investors Need to Know!
Join the CEOs of Summerset Holdings and Radius Care, alongside the CFO of Oceania Healthcare, for a timely and insightful discussion on the future of New Zealand’s retirement and aged care sector.
This senior leadership panel will explore where business models converge (and where they differ) providing investors with a clearer understanding of how leading operators are responding to the structural, financial, and operational drivers shaping the sector.
The conversation will examine the key challenges facing retirement and aged care providers today, the opportunities emerging from demographic and market trends, and how each organisation is positioning for sustainable growth, operational resilience, and long-term shareholder value.
Scott Scoullar
Chief Executive Officer, Summerset
Scott Scoullar is the Chief Executive Officer of Summerset, one of New Zealand’s leading retirement village and aged care providers. He was appointed Chief Executive Officer in 2021, following his tenure as Summerset’s Chief Financial Officer having joined the organisation in 2014. In his current role, Scott is responsible for leading
Summerset’s strategic direction, operational performance and continued growth across a portfolio of 44 villages completed or under development across New Zealand and Australia, with total assets of NZ$9.2 billion. He has a strong focus on delivering high-quality outcomes for residents, staff and shareholders.
Scott is also a Fellow of CPA Australia and a Committee member for the NZACA and RVA.
Andrew Peskett
Chief Executive Officer, Radius Care
Andrew Peskett has been Chief Executive Officer of Radius Care since February 2022,
bringing deep leadership experience across the retirement and aged care sector. He
has a strong track record of delivering sustainable growth while improving operational
performance in complex care environments.
Kathryn Waugh
Chief Financial Officer, Oceania Healthcare
Kathryn is the Chief Financial Officer at Oceania Healthcare, an NZX-listed aged care and retirement village provider. She is the executive lead for Oceania's Audit and Risk Board Committee, and has held executive responsibility for the Finance, Treasury, and Sustainability functions.
Kathryn joined Oceania in 2009 as Financial Controller and was appointed CFO in 2021. Over her tenure she has played a key leadership role in Oceania's financial and operational transformation, including capital management, investor relations, sustainability reporting, and a wide range of corporate transactions.
Prior to joining Oceania, Kathryn held senior roles at PwC in both Auckland and the UK, specialising in audit, assurance and accounting advisory services. She is a Chartered Accountant (Institute of Chartered Accountants of Scotland) and holds a Bachelor of Science in Mathematics from the University of Birmingham. Kathryn is also a member of the Institute of Directors (NZ) and the Institute of Finance Professionals NZ.
our speakers
Learn from the experts
Expect candid insights and practical takeaways from some of the profession’s most respected thought leaders in law.
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Dr. Maya Ellington
Chief Sustainability Officer, GreenSphere Global
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Daniel Cho
Director of Climate Strategy, UrbanFuture Alliance
Priya Nair
Corporate Responsibility, Oceania Financial Group
Tomas Rivera
CEO & Co-Founder, TerraLoop Technologies
Elise Van der Meer
Global Sustainability Lead, Nordic Foods International
Reserve your spot
Early bird pricing ends 20 June 2026
Members
$399
Designed for association members, this discounted rate gives you full access to all sessions, keynotes, and networking opportunities. Earn CPD points, gain practical knowledge, and connect with peers — all at the best possible value.
Non-members
$549
Open to all legal and compliance professionals who are not current members. Includes complete access to the day’s program, learning materials, and the evening networking reception. Join the association to access future discounts and benefits.
Students
$99
A special reduced rate for current law students and recent graduates. This is a unique chance to learn from experienced professionals, build your network early, and gain exposure to the real-world challenges shaping the profession.
reviews
Hear from past attendees
See what past attendees gained from their experience.
An incredible experience that went beyond talk — every session offered actionable strategies and real-world examples. I left feeling inspired and equipped to make meaningful change in my organization.”
Amelia Tran
The calibre of speakers and networking opportunities was outstanding. It’s rare to find an event that balances insight, innovation, and genuine collaboration so effectively.”
David Holt
From the engaging keynotes to the practical workshops, this forum reignited my passion for sustainability leadership. I’ve already implemented several ideas from the event.”
Rachel Kim
More to Be Announced
Watch this space for upcoming details on speakers and the conference programme!